Best VPN for Malaysians : Privateinternetaccess

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Secured_VPNAs you’ve probably gauged from my recent bout of paranoia, I’m a bit of a security-freak. My PC at home, not only runs an original version of Windows (something rare in Malaysia), but also multiple anti-virus and anti-malware suites, not to mention using EMET for even more security and a software firewall to boot.

So it sort of makes sense, that after taking all those pre-cautions I would also use a Virtual Private Network or VPN.

Now security isn’t the only reason to use a VPN, they also come in handy for accessing location based services like Netflix and Hulu. All in all they’re at least 4 good reasons to subscribe to a Virtual Private Network.

Reason 1: A VPN encrypts and secures all your outbound connections. This makes it difficult for anyone trying to ‘sniff’ your connection to see which websites you’re visiting. If you’re looking for a VPN provider to secure your connection, then look for one that implements OpenVPN, that provides the best security for this purpose.

Reason 2: A VPN allows you to access US based services like Netflix and Hulu. Here in Malaysia these providers block access from Malaysian IPs to their services–so if you want to watch Netflix, or even subscribe to Amazon, you need a US IP. If you’re looking for a VPN provider to give you this, then make sure they have a US gateway.

Reason 3: A VPN connection allows you to access blocked/censored content. In Malaysia, the government has been known to censor the internet, every once in a while. So if the government suddenly decides to block youtube, or if you wish to access those file sharing sites local ISPs have blocked, then a VPN is a great way to circumvent censorship. Remember that in 2008, the Government blocked a pro-opposition website, Malaysia Today, so this isn’t beyond the realm of possibility. *Not to mention that innocence of Muslims is censored on Malaysian youtube.

Reason 4: A VPN connection ‘anonymizes’ your IP connection. When you use a VPN to post a comment on a website online, the website won’t be able to trace your IP address, since only the IP address of the VPN provider would be visible to them. Beware though, that a VPN will only help anonymize the IP and not the content, you can leave online bread-crumbs in a multi-tude of ways, but a VPN connection helps mitigate that–somewhat. If you wish for a truly anonymous internet (like me), then look for a VPN that doesn’t log any data of it’s users.

Reason 5: A VPN connection allows you bit-torrent without restrictions and anonymously. I’ve previously showed you how bit-torrent downloads could be traced to your IP address quite easily, but a VPN helps prevent that. Without a VPN, someone could do a quick search on your IP and determine what you’ve been downloading on bittorrent. Also VPN connections allow you to bypass certain restrictions and filters that your ISP may have in place to throttle bit-torrent downloads (note that Unifi doesn’t throttle torrent downloads). If you plan to use your VPN for this purpose make sure they don’t block torrent traffic. Just check out the advert below from the people at BTGuard.

BTGuard   Anonymous BitTorrent Services

So in short a VPN provides you extra security, extra anonymity, the ability to access location based services and the ability to bypass censored content online. So it’s really a no brainer at this point–if you want to truly get the most of your internet experience–you need a VPN.

Which VPN should Malaysians avoid?

Let’s first understand what’s NOT the best VPN for Malaysians–a Malaysian VPN. Unfortunately, the guys over at BolehVPN have a really great offering and they run a phenomenal service–but they’re hampered by the one thing that should make them even greater–They’re Malaysians!!

You see, under Section 6 of the newly enacted Security Offences Special Measures Act (or SOSMA), the public prosecutor in Malaysia can compel any communications provider to intercept, listen and archive any communications of a person of interest. This means, that without any judicial oversight, a public prosecutor in Malaysia can compel someone at BolehVPN to intercept your personal communications via their service, and since BolehVPN is incorporated in Malaysia–they would have to make the difficult decision of either abiding by the law or fulfilling their responsibility to their customers.

Obviously, I can’t comment on what BolehVPN would do if such a scenario were to occur, but I wouldn’t want to put them in that position, and it’s similar for any other local VPN provider, hence if you’re a Malaysian–don’t buy Malaysian. That’s the unfortunate situation we’re in, I’m just keeping it real. (btw, BolehVPN offer a 3-day trial version of their service at just Rm5, something to consider if you need a VPN temporarily)

Things you should look out for when buying a VPN

As we established earlier, what you want is a VPN that

1. Uses OpenVPN (and hopefully has backups of PPTP and L2TP just in case)

2. Has a US gateway (or Korean or Chinese) just in case you want to watch the Korean/Chinese equivalent of Netflix.

3. Doesn’t store logs on their users.

All these features give you the security and the other location based services.

Multiple logins at a time

However, when actually purchasing a VPN you also want to understand things like speed, and multiple user access before finally laying down some cold hard cash.

For instance, some VPN providers only allow you one connection at a time, which means that while you’re surfing downstairs on a PC your wife can’t watch netflix on her phone, unless you buy two accounts.

Also, you want to keep tabs of price. VPN range from the very cheap to the ri-donk-que-lus-ly expensive. I would keep the cap at around RM240 per year, which makes it about Rm20/month.

Specialized App for easy access

Also a specialized app for easy access is definitely a plus point. Setting up an OpenVPN connection on your android phone is a chore, and so a provider that has actually setup an app to make it easier for you surely helps.

So which VPN is the best for Malaysians?

How a VPN Tunnel Works

I have to say after scouring the online world and looking for a good VPN provider, I finally settled for privateinternetaccess.com. These guys provide a good service, at a fantastic price of just USD39.95/year, which translates to roughly Rm120-Rm140 per year. That’s a great price for something that will help you extract the most from your internet connection.

Privateinternetaccess is fast. Or at least, fast enough to not notice a lag in your torrent-downloads or Netflix streaming. (even in HD, check this link)

Privateinternetaccess is secure, in fact noted by the great people at Torrentfreak for being a VPN that takes your privacy seriously.

Privateinternetaccess provides OpenVPN connection + it has a pptp and l2tp connections as well.

Privateinternetaccess has a US gateway, perfect for Malaysians to watch Netflix and Hulu. (use California or US West)

Privateinternetaccess is cheaper than most other VPN providers, and I didn’t feel any drop in quality.

Privateinternetaccess allows up to 5 different logins at once, perfect for a family or couple to use. Almost no other VPN provider offers this.

I personally use Privateinternetaccess, and found that I could even watch Netflix on my phone with no problems. The connection is really fast, and I can easily setup VPN access even over Maxis 3G Data, and it’s fast enough that I don’t notice any drop in my connection speed (both on Maxis and Unifi).

Conclusion

VPN_Compare

I personally use Privateinternetaccess and wouldn’t recommend them if I didn’t think they were a top notch service. If you’re looking for a VPN provider that won’t break the bank, and provides all the things you need–then head on over to their website.

If you do sign up, please consider using affiliate code: KROZARIO001 or this link.

The affiliate code won’t give you a huge discount, but will help me pay my hosting charges on this website. 🙂

Image credit: m thierry

78 comments

Leave a Reply to Adeline GrayCancel reply

  • i’d like to understand more on the setup, my internet service provider (P1) is simply a modem with built-in wireless router, can I setup privateinternetaccess on this router?

    • Hi Penang-boy

      you setup the VPN from your end device (iPhone, iPad, Tablet, Smartphone, PC…etc) doesn’t matter what your internet connection is.

      Keith

  • Any idea about finchvpn? Saw some recommendation and feedback on lowyat forum. The price is not bad as well i am considering it. I want to download torrent, streamyx sucks with that.

    • Hi Jaya,

      Sorry for the late reply. A VPN won’t improve your overall connection speed, but will improve your speed on throttled services like torrents on StreamyX. I would still recommend PrivateInternetAccess

    • No quota for PrivateInternetaccess… any VPN provider that uses quotas are actively tracking your connection and hence would not be anonymous.

  • Hi, is your VPN working with Netflix still? No lag or anything? I was thinking of getting a subscription.

  • Did you compare the speed with Spotflux? If you did, which is better? PrivateInternetAccess or Spotflux. It’s been a year since your last post. How would you rate PrivateInternetAccess now?

  • Hi Keith, I am subscribing to this VPN but when I was paying for it there is no such thing as affiliate code.. paid already though..

  • i stumbled on your page while tryin to find best vpn available. Will try privateinternetacces. Great readin way through on your blog. A lot of technical informative . Thanx for the writing. ^_^

  • Hello sorry to ask same question. But privateinternetaccesee vpn really can bypass ISP quotas? like digi, im just want to confirm, i dun want to buy if its not work

    • No it won’t. OpenVPN just encrypts the data…and Digi still charges you for the quota. ;(

      This solution is to protect your data from eavesdroppers and spying–it’s not meant for you to bypass ISP quotas…..for that you’ll have to wait for my next post.

      Keth

  • Does it mean that even if i am subscribed to vpn i am limited to the broadband quota offered by m*xis which i pay for monthly quota or i cn hv unlimited quota using vpn…heavy gamer n heavy torrent user..would u advice me..

    • Hi Wind,

      I get this question a lot, and the answer is NO. This counts towards your quota, there’s a whole bunch of suspicious characters out there selling services that supposedly bypass quota, but I cannot warn you enough that those guys are dodgy an are just not worth pursuing.

      Keith

  • Hi… Great read. Appreciate and happy to find a Malaysian Tech Blog that makes sense. Do you still recommend Privateinternetaccess as a VPN service considering that your blog must have been written more than a year ago?

    If yes, then i will go for it. Hope to hear your answer.

    • Yup. I still do, and they’re still awesome.

      Please consider using my promo code, for me to fund the blog, but even if you don’t it’s OK 🙂

      Keith

  • Hi do you use the vpn on your router on on the apple tv device itself? I understand that for apple tv you need to configure your router not the device? How do you use your promo code? I’m seriously considering getting PIA. Thanks

    • Just use the promo code when you’re buying, and don’t worry I don’t make much money from it. If it’s too difficult, just buy PIA without the promo code, I really don’t mind.

      Some devices can’t be configured to perform VPN and any VPN has to be done at the router level rather than the machine. I think Apple TV might be one of those devices.

      This link might help:
      http://www.vpninstructions.com/how-to-setup-a-vpn-on-apple-tv/

  • Hi, I intend to use vpn on my android TV to watch movies/dramas from China (i.e. Youku, Tudou and others, which was blocked outside of china). I would like to know can this be used on the Android box? And will it enable for me to watch those shows. To.

  • Hi Keith, I stumbled upon your blog when I was researching on recommended VPN for locations like where we are. Thanks for the recommendation and I shall be making a purchase using your affiliate code very soon,

    • Thanks it’s the only way I monetize the blog, but even if you don’t use it, no big deal… as long as you’re protecting your security. Please take note though that Netflix has blocked PrivateInternetAccess IPs, so you can’t view Netflix if you’re using it.

  • I use PIA and have had no issues from Malaysia server and pings are similar to what I get with my ISP. Another option that I tried which was quite good was PureVPN.

  • i subscribe for 10mbps but my torrent (popcorn time) speed is only 100kbp/s. if i use this vpn service, what is the expected speed i would get? maxis fiber user btw

    • First up, Maxis offers 10Mbps (small b), while most torrent clients like uTorrent/Transmission will measure speeds in kBps or MBps (big B). The difference is that 1 Byte (big B) is 8 bits (small b), and hence 100kBps = 800kbps.

      That’s still only 8 percent of the full bandwidth.

      The second and most important thing is that torrents are peer-to-peer, meaning people are sharing it amongst themselves, and hence the speed of the torrent is dependend on how fast the people sharing the torrents speeds are.

      So if you’re downloading torrents that few people are sharing at slow speeds, VPNs won’t help.

      If on the other hand, your ISP is throttling speeds for torrents, than a VPN would help. (as far as I know, Maxis doesn’t do this).

      The MOST important thing though–is that if you don’t use a VPN while downloading torrents, your IP address is broadcasted to the whole world, and anybody can detect which torrent you’re downloading and sharing–and if those torrents happen to be ‘questionable’ , then you could be looking at some serious legal implications.

  • Any idea about finchvpn? Saw some recommendation and feedback on lowyat forum. The price is not bad as well i am considering it. I want to download torrent, streamyx sucks with that.

    • Hi Jaya,

      Sorry for the late reply. A VPN won’t improve your overall connection speed, but will improve your speed on throttled services like torrents on StreamyX. I would still recommend PrivateInternetAccess

  • i’d like to understand more on the setup, my internet service provider (P1) is simply a modem with built-in wireless router, can I setup privateinternetaccess on this router?

    • Hi Penang-boy

      you setup the VPN from your end device (iPhone, iPad, Tablet, Smartphone, PC…etc) doesn’t matter what your internet connection is.

      Keith

  • Hi Keith, I am subscribing to this VPN but when I was paying for it there is no such thing as affiliate code.. paid already though..

  • Hi, is your VPN working with Netflix still? No lag or anything? I was thinking of getting a subscription.

  • Does it mean that even if i am subscribed to vpn i am limited to the broadband quota offered by m*xis which i pay for monthly quota or i cn hv unlimited quota using vpn…heavy gamer n heavy torrent user..would u advice me..

    • Hi Wind,

      I get this question a lot, and the answer is NO. This counts towards your quota, there’s a whole bunch of suspicious characters out there selling services that supposedly bypass quota, but I cannot warn you enough that those guys are dodgy an are just not worth pursuing.

      Keith

    • No quota for PrivateInternetaccess… any VPN provider that uses quotas are actively tracking your connection and hence would not be anonymous.

  • i stumbled on your page while tryin to find best vpn available. Will try privateinternetacces. Great readin way through on your blog. A lot of technical informative . Thanx for the writing. ^_^

  • Did you compare the speed with Spotflux? If you did, which is better? PrivateInternetAccess or Spotflux. It’s been a year since your last post. How would you rate PrivateInternetAccess now?

  • Hi… Great read. Appreciate and happy to find a Malaysian Tech Blog that makes sense. Do you still recommend Privateinternetaccess as a VPN service considering that your blog must have been written more than a year ago?

    If yes, then i will go for it. Hope to hear your answer.

    • Yup. I still do, and they’re still awesome.

      Please consider using my promo code, for me to fund the blog, but even if you don’t it’s OK 🙂

      Keith

  • Hello sorry to ask same question. But privateinternetaccesee vpn really can bypass ISP quotas? like digi, im just want to confirm, i dun want to buy if its not work

    • No it won’t. OpenVPN just encrypts the data…and Digi still charges you for the quota. ;(

      This solution is to protect your data from eavesdroppers and spying–it’s not meant for you to bypass ISP quotas…..for that you’ll have to wait for my next post.

      Keth

  • i subscribe for 10mbps but my torrent (popcorn time) speed is only 100kbp/s. if i use this vpn service, what is the expected speed i would get? maxis fiber user btw

    • First up, Maxis offers 10Mbps (small b), while most torrent clients like uTorrent/Transmission will measure speeds in kBps or MBps (big B). The difference is that 1 Byte (big B) is 8 bits (small b), and hence 100kBps = 800kbps.

      That’s still only 8 percent of the full bandwidth.

      The second and most important thing is that torrents are peer-to-peer, meaning people are sharing it amongst themselves, and hence the speed of the torrent is dependend on how fast the people sharing the torrents speeds are.

      So if you’re downloading torrents that few people are sharing at slow speeds, VPNs won’t help.

      If on the other hand, your ISP is throttling speeds for torrents, than a VPN would help. (as far as I know, Maxis doesn’t do this).

      The MOST important thing though–is that if you don’t use a VPN while downloading torrents, your IP address is broadcasted to the whole world, and anybody can detect which torrent you’re downloading and sharing–and if those torrents happen to be ‘questionable’ , then you could be looking at some serious legal implications.

    • Thanks it’s the only way I monetize the blog, but even if you don’t use it, no big deal… as long as you’re protecting your security. Please take note though that Netflix has blocked PrivateInternetAccess IPs, so you can’t view Netflix if you’re using it.

  • Hi do you use the vpn on your router on on the apple tv device itself? I understand that for apple tv you need to configure your router not the device? How do you use your promo code? I’m seriously considering getting PIA. Thanks

    • Just use the promo code when you’re buying, and don’t worry I don’t make much money from it. If it’s too difficult, just buy PIA without the promo code, I really don’t mind.

      Some devices can’t be configured to perform VPN and any VPN has to be done at the router level rather than the machine. I think Apple TV might be one of those devices.

      This link might help:
      http://www.vpninstructions.com/how-to-setup-a-vpn-on-apple-tv/

  • Hi, I intend to use vpn on my android TV to watch movies/dramas from China (i.e. Youku, Tudou and others, which was blocked outside of china). I would like to know can this be used on the Android box? And will it enable for me to watch those shows. To.

  • I use PIA and have had no issues from Malaysia server and pings are similar to what I get with my ISP. Another option that I tried which was quite good was PureVPN.